Moxy Times Square, New York

BACKGROUND Marriott International introduced its Moxy Hotels brand in 2014. There are now nearly 50 of them, with 100 more in the pipeline. Built in 1907 as a 1,885bed, single-room hotel, this property was converted into offices before opening as Moxy Times Square in 2017.

WHAT’ S IT LIKE? Very trendy. Checkin is via a series of kiosks, although there are staff to complete traditional check-in as well. The lifts are controlled by a screen with a number of preselects, so you choose “restaurants” or “rooms” and then, if the latter, you specify which floor, touch your card and are directed to a particular elevator. It works well once you’ve got the hang of it and minimises queues. There’s lots of quirky artwork, polished concrete floors, distressed brick walls and exposed pipework in the ceilings. A barber is located at the rear of reception.

WHERE IS IT? 485 Seventh Avenue, on West 36th Street. It’s close to Times Square, and from here you can take the subway pretty much anywhere, including New York JFK from Times Square-42nd Street (it takes about an hour).

ROOMS The 612 rooms come in many shapes and sizes, even within the various categories, which start at Double (14 sqm) and move up through Queen (18 sqm) and then rooms with twin beds, bunks, family rooms and suites. All have been designed by the Yabu Pushelberg agency and are attractive and witty. To make the most of limited space, they have wall-mounted folding tables and chairs, and under-bed storage. My Corner King (18 sqm) had the double bed right next to the wall but great views along West 36th Street. It didn’t have a kettle, but did have two hairdryers. I have no idea why. The shower worked well and the blackout curtains and lights were easy to operate. One thing to note, though – this isn’t a quiet hotel. You are right in the centre of town, and if it’s a night when the rooftop bar is going or if you are close to the second-floor Bar Moxy then you will hear some noise. In 2018 the hotel spent US$1 million on further soundproofing for external-facing rooms and this has been very effective. Earplugs are also available. The beds are comfortable with 300-thread count Egyptian cotton linens. A 43-inch TV allows you to stream your own content, wifi is fast and free and there are lots of USB ports and power outlets.

FOOD AND DRINK I’ve previously eaten at Legersea restaurant, a great seafood brasserie with sharing plates that has a nice buzz without being too loud. This time

I tried Bar Moxy, which has a much shorter menu but is fine for filling up before bed, and also serves breakfast. The service was excellent. On the top floor is the Magic Hour, a fashionable rooftop bar and dining venue. The previous occasion I visited, Heidi Klum was hosting her Halloween party there. Lastly, there’s the street-level Egghead, which serves breakfast to go.

MEETINGS Bar Moxy has several areas that people seem to use as unofficial coworking space. There are two studio rooms that can be used informally or booked, and a third one where, Tuesday to Thursday, Jon Boy, a high-end tattooist, is in residence charging about US$1,000 per hour. He has to be booked many months in advance.

LEISURE There’s a decent 24-hour gym.

VERDICT A fun and friendly hotel in the heart of Manhattan. The design of the rooms makes up for their diminutive size. For a short stay, it’s hard to beat. Tom Otley

There’s lots of quirky artwork, polished concrete floors, distressed brick walls and exposed pipework